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Margaret and Harold Moser College of Adult and Professional Studies Home

NOW EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ILLINOIS VETERANS SERVING IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN!

Q: What is the First Responder Program?
A: The First Responder Program is an unparalleled educational degree program offered by Benedictine University which allows first responders (Illinois fire and police professionals, as well as Iraqi and Afghan veterans of Illinois) an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills on a personal and professional level.

Q: How did the program get started? A: The events of September 11, 2001 forced Benedictine University President William J. Carroll to take a different look at first responders, who are often placed in hazardous situations to save the lives of others. In the summer of 2001, Carroll had the opportunity to train with the Lisle-Woodridge Fire District. From this experience, coupled with the events of September 11, he realized that the fire and police professionals are often unable to complete and/or afford a college education, especially at a private institution. As a result, he demonstrated his gratitude for their heroism, service and partnership over the years by instituting a local firefighter scholarship in the amount of $15,000. Q: How is the program funded? A: The Program is funded by the University and a federal grant.

Q: What is the mission?
A: The mission of the First Responder Program is to provide Illinois first responders access to affordable and quality higher education.

Q: Who is eligible to participate?
A: All Illinois Iraqi and Afghan veterans, fire and police personnel (who are not contracted with the fire or police district) are eligible to participate in the degree programs.

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: It is free. There are no tuition costs for undergraduate degree programs. Graduate degree programs are offered at half the tuition rate.

Q: Are there any expenses for which first responders are responsible?
A: First responders are responsible for payment of application, textbooks and graduation fees.

Q: What degree programs are offered?
A: The Associate of Arts in Business Administration (A.A.B.A.), Bachelor of Arts in Management (B.A.M.), Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Master of Public Health (M.P.H.) and Master of Science in Management and Organizational Behavior (M.S.M.O.B.) are offered. Only undergraduate degrees are tuition free.

Q: What are the eligibility requirements?
A: Eligibility requirements vary per degree program.

A.A.B.A. requires proof of high school graduation or G.E.D. certificate; cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 in prior coursework completed; minimum age of 22 years; minimum of two years work experience in business, industry, public service or other related employment.

B.A.M. requires an associate’s degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative G.P.A. of 2.0 for full admission; minimum of two years work experience in business, industry, public service or other related employment; minimum age of 22 years.

M.B.A., M.P.H. and M.S.M.O.B. require a bachelor’s degree, conferred by a regionally accredited institute of higher education with a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.0 for full admission; a minimum of two years of significant work experience documented through professional resume; two letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s professional work; applicants should be at least 23 years of age.

Q: How many years does it take to complete the degree programs?
A: Generally, it takes 24-36 months to complete the A.A.B.A., B.A.M., M.B.A. and M.P.H. degree programs and 13-36 months to complete the M.S.M.O.B. degree program. The time frame varies per student/degree program. All degree programs must be completed within three years.

Q: What is the time frame for each course?
A: The courses are usually five-to-nine weeks in length.

Q: Where are the classes held?
A: The A.A.B.A. and B.A.M. classes are generally held at offsite locations, such as fire/police stations and corporate centers.

Q: How often are the classes held?
A: Classes are held one day per week and one day for study groups is required. These days are determined based on space and faculty availability.

Q: What time are the classes held?
A: For most programs, classes can be held weekdays, weeknights and weekends. The classes are typically four hours in length.

Q: Are online courses available?
A: Online options are available for select courses/ degree programs.

Q: How many first responders have participated in the programs?
A: More than 400 first responders have participated in the various degree programs. More than 100 first responders have successfully completed and graduated from Benedictine University’s undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Q: Why has the program expanded to include veterans?
A: The program was expanded to include Illinois Iraqi and Afghan veterans to address financial disparities that may preclude them from pursuing their educational endeavors. Thereby, enabling members of the armed forces afford a quality college education, while empowering their families.